COLUMBUS — State Sen. Gayle Manning, a North Ridgeville Republican, visited several local businesses June 30, including one in Lorain, to learn more about how Ohio can further encourage growing agricultural businesses and the jobs they support.
Joining her was David Daniels, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture Director.
Manning and Daniels toured Great Lakes Smoked Meats in Lorain. The two also toured Vermilion Valley Vineyards in Wakeman and Buurma Farms in Willard to discuss issues affecting the agricultural industry in Ohio.
“Agricultural businesses play a pivotal role, not only in our district, but across the state and greater Midwest region,” Manning said. “I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to learn about ways in which the state can better support these innovative companies.”
Great Lakes Smoked Meats is one of the few Ohio facilities engaged in interstate commerce, exporting to 43 states and continuing to grow.
Agriculture is Ohio’s number-one industry, contributing more than $105 billion to
the state’s economy each year.